Camera

[letsroll]

I am looking at getting a digital camera. I know these are two different cameras SLR vs. non-SLR but these two seem to be the best of the field and cost is close. Can anybody tell me real world experience with these? Sony CyberShot DSC-V3 and the Canon EOS 350 D/ Digital Rebel XT.

Thanks for the help. Those throw-a-way cameras are killing me

[cj001f]

Digital Rebel is cheap feeling - Nikon D50/D70/D70s is nicer.

[EJohnson]

Check out this site www.dpreview.com

Also, buying online you can easly save 100 or more dollars then purchasing at any of the superstores; Best Buy, Fry's etc.

[John Frieh]

Pentax makes a 5.0 megapixel that is waterproof now. Very nice IMO.

[letsroll]

I am not seeing the 5 meg waterproof. Which one? I just might be blind.

[mattp]

If you type "pentax 5mp waterproof camera" on google, the first hit you get is this one:

 

web page

[Kraken]

my friend has the Pentax 5mp, loves it.

 

I just bought the Canon Digital Rebel XT, it arrives on Tuesday.

[Big_Mac]

Only 1 problem it does not appear to take AA's.

[sony]

Getting an D-SLR vs a high end digital camera

has pros and cons. When climbing size matters,

and quality of results too.

 

I own an old Sony DSC S70: It makes nice pics

in terms of color and sharpness (Sony has warm

very saturated colors,which is the modern trend).

The zeiss lens is good. However, proprietary

sony parts are expensive and add-up.

 

My current camera is a Minolta DHi7, it has nice

features but has more neutral colors that don't

punch you in the face as much, so i had to cranck

saturation up. However controls are great. I have

separate focus and opening buttons, so I can adjust

the balance easily.

 

For cold weather you want a regular camera w/o

any electronics: it risks freezing up.

 

For climbing you want a big zoom, te Hi7 has a 7X

zoom which gets some use. For ex. this week end I

photographed friends on a wall from another facing

wall at the Needles, CA. The downside is it's bulk

similar to an SLR. It's heavy and difficult to carry

in chimneys, etc.

 

A SLR is ultra bulky and expensive, you'll want

a least 2 lenses (the base lens is good but you'll

buy a zoom, that'll cost you another $300 if you're

going for cheap or $3000 if you want IS and top glass).

Also you'll get some filters like polarizers.

 

I personally will try to get a small pocket camera,

and will probably move to a full SLR with good glass,

to cover both extremes: light packing/hard climbs souvenir

and semi-pro quality shots. A good camera lens makes a huge

difference.

 

Looking at compact cameras photos (like Elf etc.),

the quality sucks even at 5MPix because the lens is

too small. It's missing the sharp contrasty punch

of bigger cameras. That makes them OK for good quality

souvenirs, but not for great shots.

 

Big SLRs allow you to shoot raw pics at a fast rate.

That's the best.

 

In SLRs look at Olympus, Nikon, Pentax, Kodak, etc.

some bodies have built in IS, or CCD cleaning abilities.

If you already own lenses you should stick with the brand.

 

Those sites are good:

 

steve's digicam

dpreview

[goatboy]

Just got a D70 (good deals right now from B and H Photo online -- D70, Nikon 18-70Zoom lens, 1 GB CF Card, for $1039 after $100 rebate).

 

So far, I love the thing. Will let you know if there are any problems.

[dbconlin]

I have the Pentax Optio WP: waterproof very compact and 5 mPs. I am very pleased with it so far. ONly drawbacks: no optical viewfinder, so you can't turn of the LCD to save batteries; non-standard batt size (too compact) so you can't throw in AAs in a pinch. An extra battery costs $50.

 

That said, I do not regret buying this camera.

[marylou]

DB, you might check ebay for aftermarket batteries. I got one for my Canon ELPH there for not much money at all, and it works great.

[JoshK]

Digital Rebel is cheap feeling - Nikon D50/D70/D70s is nicer.

 

Very true, $ for $ the D70 is far superior to the digital rebels. Compare the two side by side and you'll find the rebel quite inferior, IMHO.

 

FWIW, the D70 is basically a D100 with a plastic body instead of a magnesium. For climbing, it actually saves you several oz.

[PhilomathSloth]

I am in the market right now for a Powershot S2 IS, and have been shopping quite a bit. Do any of you know of particular store's or online sales that offer better deals on price? I realize that this camera was just released and the price is pretty set...a sale would be nice though!

[dbconlin]

StevesDigiCams.com has reviews and a comparison shopping feature. I am sure Amazon would comparison shop for you too.

[bunglehead]

So..Anybody have any experience with the Panasonic FZ20?

[Stemalot]

I have the Panasonic FZ10 and it is fantastic; highly recommend the Panasonic FZ series. I am waiting for the FZ30...it's coming out soon. It's got a manual zoom ring and a manual focus ring.

[bunglehead]

Thanks! There's a preliminary blurb of the FZ30 on DP Review, in case you want to check it out.

[Dr_Crash]

You need to decide what you want first. dSLR versus point and shoot means very different focuses.

 

I had a Canon S70 that disappeared at Vertical World. I picked it for the wide angle, RAW format, and availability of lens/filter adapter (the 7 MP were nice but not critical). It was bulky for everyday use though, and I am now looking at a cheaper and more compact everyday camera that will fit easily in a pants pocket. The Panasonic are supposed to be great with Leica lenses and optical image stabilization, but I am looking at the Optio WP 5: 5 MP is enough, and it is waterproof which is a great thing outdoors. Looks like pic quality is average though

 

Nice: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0507/05072003panasonic_lx1.htm

 

 

drC

[bunglehead]

That new LX1 looks like a great choice. Thanks, Crash!

[letsroll]

Have not been able to post in a while, why I don't know but yippie I can now . Thanks for the help. I think I am going to go with the non-slr camera first then last upgrade to the digital SLR when I have more funds . This looks to be a cheeper and a good way to start.